Larry E. Van Velsor, 82, of Galesburg, died at 11:28 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at home.
He was born June 26, 1943, at the former Saunders Hospital in Avon, IL, the son of Paul E. “Buck” and Edna Mae (Caves) Van Velsor. He married Katherine J. Callahan on October 16, 1964, in St. Augustine, IL.
He is survived by his wife of over 61 years, Kathy; a son, Todd (Gwen) Van Velsor of Galesburg; daughter-in-law, Christine Van Velsor of Galesburg; five grandchildren, Jessica Van Velsor, Jaque (Matt) Gohlinghorst, Jacob Van Velsor, Riley (Meg) Van Velsor, and Katie (Nick) Wolf; and four great-grandchildren, Clay and Jackson Gohlinghorst, Melody Van Velsor, and Benjamin Wolf. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Scott Van Velsor on July 21, 2021, after a seven-year battle with ALS.
Larry graduated from Avon High School in 1962. He attended Burlington Junior College, then earned his drafting certificate in Chicago. He worked as a design draftsman at Admiral/Maytag for 38 years, during which time he also served as Union President for Local 444. He then worked for two years helping with job placement for former Maytag employees.
Larry’s No. 1 enjoyment was family, but he contributed to many other endeavors. Larry was a longtime member of the First Christian Church in St. Augustine and Galesburg, IL. Larry loved sports. He played Legion baseball, basketball, and golf over his lifetime. He loved teaching and sharing sports with others and served many years as a coach of YMCA basketball, Galesburg Youth Football, and baseball. He loved riding his Harley Davidson and took it on many trips. He also loved supporting America and American-made products. His vehicle’s license plates were “BYUSA.”
Visitation will be 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services of Galesburg. Funeral will be 10 a.m. Monday, March 16, 2026, at the funeral home with Pastor Jordan Knight officiating. Burial will follow in Abingdon Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Compassus. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
